High School Success – AdmitOne™http://admitoneblog.org
Expert Advice on College AdmissionsWed, 28 Feb 2018 20:51:32 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.4.2Finding Internet Accesshttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=2752
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2752#respondTue, 03 Jan 2017 16:06:04 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2752Historically, technology at large (and the internet specifically) has been seen as having the power to democratize education and help place students of all socio-economic levels on an equal playing field. In reality, that's far from the case. While wealthier students are able to freely use the internet to their benefit, children from lower-income families [...]

]]>Historically, technology at large (and the internet specifically) has been seen as having the power to democratize education and help place students of all socio-economic levels on an equal playing field. In reality, that's far from the case. While wealthier students are able to freely use the internet to their benefit, children from lower-income families struggle with finding access. Though the situation is far from ideal, there are ways these students can increase/enhance their usages.

To begin with, students can certainly turn to their schools or local public libraries. After all, both places traditionally have multiple computer stations and provide free access to patrons. And, as an added bonus, libraries are a great place to concentrate and tackle work. The only down side is that sometimes these places get crowded and/or limit the amount of time people can use the computers.

Beyond libraries, it's also become quite common for many local food and drink establishments to provide free wifi for their customers. Students can easily walk into a local coffee shop, grab a sandwich and the password to log on. Though some restaurants also attempt to limit the length of time patrons can linger, others will let them set up shop for hours (as long as something has been purchased). While these places might be a tad more distracting than a library, they are still great options. And they provide a relaxed working environment to boot.

Moreover, students with access to smart phones can use them to their advantage, converting them to wifi hotspots if needed. In other words, by adjusting the settings, students can tap into the phone's online capabilities. They simply connect their home computers with their phones and then log onto the internet. However, it is important to be aware that not all service carriers allow customers to create hotspots for free. Students and/or families with limited data plans will likely need to use this option sparingly.

Parents and educators can also ask students to identify other possible resources within their families or social networks. Indeed, even if they don't happen to have strong (or any) internet access at home, they might have relatives or friends who do. They can try and coordinate study groups with peers or ask an aunt/uncle, grandparent, etc. if they can use their computers for school assignments. While this might not be wholly ideal, it's definitely an actionable step.

Additionally, some internet providers (though perhaps begrudgingly) have begun trying to address the problem. For example, the cable giant Comcast offers a service called Internet Essentials which aims to offer low-income families inexpensive access to the internet. The service is roughly $9.95 a month. Though it's perhaps a good start, the connection provided through this program is known to be highly inefficient.

Importantly, there are also non-profits such as Connect2Compete that are working diligently to ensure families with K-12 students have affordable access to both the internet and the technological devices that connect them. Even better, they also link up families with digital literacy training programs so parents and kids are able to use the internet safely and effectively.

Finally, teachers can also lend a helping hand. They can try and schedule deadlines in such a way as to give students with limited internet access enough time to complete their assignments. And they might also consider devoting some classroom time to the computer lab, which will provide students with additional opportunities to jump online.

There's no question that a lot more work needs to be done to expand access. After all, the internet is a powerful educational tool. And familiarity with technology is a necessity for so many employment opportunities. While new programs and policies must be implemented, the ideas and options mentioned above are a good place to start.

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=27520Importance of High School Internshipshttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=2705
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2705#respondFri, 16 Sep 2016 17:58:13 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2705When many high school students job hunt, they often seek out positions within retail or the food service industry. After all, those gigs have long been the provenance of teen employment. However, a growing number of companies and institutions have started to expand their internship programs, happily opening their doors to high school kids. This [...]

]]>When many high school students job hunt, they often seek out positions within retail or the food service industry. After all, those gigs have long been the provenance of teen employment. However, a growing number of companies and institutions have started to expand their internship programs, happily opening their doors to high school kids. This is a great way to get a taste of and toehold within a business that sparks your interest. And we strongly encourage you to start investigating internship options near you.

Without a doubt, internships are fantastic learning opportunities. Indeed, they provide you with practical, hands-on experience that allows you to gain a better understanding of the specific industry in which you’re working. Sure, you might be inspired to apply for a publishing internship because you love literature. But we’re guessing that you don’t have a firm grasp on how a production editor creates a schedule or how a marketing executive decides to advertise a newly published paperback. The knowledge you’ll acquire is insight that you can definitely build upon should you continue working within the industry. And the exposure you receive will likely introduce you to new career possibilities you hadn’t thought about yet.

Beyond trade “secrets,” internships also provide you with basic office experience. Naturally, you’ll learn how to carry yourself in a professional setting. And you will likely become familiar with a variety of administrative tasks – be it creating a mail merge, collating important documents or simply setting up a department lunch (for example). Skill-sets such as these are a valuable addition to any resume, especially for individuals just beginning their professional lives. Even better, they are often applicable to most office settings, no matter the industry in which you’re working.

Just as important, landing an internship also lets you begin building your professional network. While your co-workers and colleagues will likely be of varying ages and levels, you’ll undoubtedly find new friends and mentors. And you can hopefully turn to these individuals when you embark on future job hunts. They can (theoretically) provide you with references, introduce you to other industry people and/or let you know about job openings at various companies.

Lastly, an internship can also make you a more competitive college applicant. Indeed, admissions officers are likely to interpret your tenure as a demonstration of maturity, curiosity and foresight. Securing an internship also shows tenacity and ambition. Moreover, if it’s aligned with your potential and/or intended college major, it will underscore your interest and dedication to that particular discipline.

Internships are no longer the domain of college students and/or recent graduates. Each year, greater numbers of high school students, looking to explore different career options, apply. And no matter whether your dream is to be an accountant or work for NASA, an internship might just be the step you need to ignite your professional dreams!

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=27050Reflecting on High School Study Habitshttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=2519
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2519#respondThu, 05 Dec 2013 13:20:13 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=25192014 is fast approaching! And, as always, the new year is the perfect time for a little self-reflection. We encourage you to find a moment in between exchanging gifts and spreading holiday cheer to consider your goals and aspirations (for both the immediate future and beyond). Of course, amidst this quiet contemplation, we recommend assessing [...]

]]>2014 is fast approaching! And, as always, the new year is the perfect time for a little self-reflection. We encourage you to find a moment in between exchanging gifts and spreading holiday cheer to consider your goals and aspirations (for both the immediate future and beyond). Of course, amidst this quiet contemplation, we recommend assessing your scholastic achievement to date. After all, the upcoming winter vacation presents the perfect opportunity to get your academic ducks in a row.

To begin, take out a piece of paper and write down all of your subjects. Then, go through each class individually and evaluate your current standing (we promise this is far less time consuming that it might sound). How have you fared on your tests thus far? Have you been completing your homework assignments? Do you participate regularly in class? Are there any concepts with which you’re struggling? Be thorough and honest with your assessment.

Of course, there’s no need to beat yourself up if you’re unhappy with your answers. Instead, look at this as a chance to adjust and fine tune your approach. If you’re racing through your work and submitting shoddy assignments, think about sitting down a tad earlier and spending an additional thirty minutes or so on your homework. A little extra effort can sometimes make all the difference. Conversely, if you do feel like you are working diligently, consider talking to your teacher and asking for advice. There’s nothing wrong with needing a little help every now and again.

Beyond a simple assessment, you should also use this time to figure out if you have any tests or assignments on the horizon. While you certainly don’t need to complete them over winter break, you might want to get the ball rolling with a little prep and/or planning. Since you’ll be on vacation, you can work at a more relaxed pace. More importantly, when you finally begin to tackle the assignments in earnest, you’ll happily discover that the work feels more manageable. And you’ll likely be able to produce a stronger final product.

Further, don’t forget that when it comes to successful study habits, sleep is an important factor as well. After all, a good night’s sleep facilitates focus. Going to bed at a reasonable hour will allow you to be more engaged in the classroom, work more efficiently and make fewer careless errors. You can use the winter break to catch up on sleep and set a new (and perhaps improved) sleep schedule.

Finally, though the above paragraphs might suggest otherwise, we do recommend kicking back and enjoying the holidays and the (all too brief) respite from the daily grind. Indeed, it’s easy to burn out if you’re continually focused on academics. Everyone needs to put the books away occasionally and recharge. When school resumes, you’ll (hopefully) realize that you have a renewed focus.

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=25190Assessing Your Extracurricular Involvementhttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=2515
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2515#respondSat, 30 Nov 2013 07:41:03 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2515When it comes to admissions decisions, it’s easy to be overly concerned with your GPA and standardized test scores. After all, those two facets are likely the most important portion of your application. However, colleges don’t necessarily gravitate to students who are solely focused on academics. They want undergrads who are just as eager to embrace [...]

]]>When it comes to admissions decisions, it’s easy to be overly concerned with your GPA and standardized test scores. After all, those two facets are likely the most important portion of your application. However, colleges don’t necessarily gravitate to students who are solely focused on academics. They want undergrads who are just as eager to embrace life outside the classroom. Therefore, you can expect that most schools will closely evaluate your extracurricular activities as well.

Of course, you might now be wondering how to gauge your extracurricular pursuits. For (obvious) starters, consider how you spend your time after school. Are you the first one on the school bus as soon as the bell rings? Do you head to a local pizza place to hang with friends? Or are you rushing to get to a sports practice or attend a meeting? If you find yourself continually kicking back at home, it’s time to think about adding an activity or three to your schedule.

Of course, simply signing up or swinging by the occasional club meeting isn’t enough. Colleges aren’t interested in individuals who only show up periodically. They want students who happily participate. Be sure to attend meetings regularly and be actively involved. Beyond simply impressing schools, you’ll likely find you enjoy yourself more and gain more from the experience.

If you’re already participating, kudos! However, you can still likely step up your extracurricular game. If you’ve been a member of a club for a few years, think about going a little further and taking on a leadership role. Colleges love students who demonstrate dedication. Becoming the president of the environmental club, for example, shows that you’re not afraid to take on challenges or to work hard at something you deem important.

Aside from leadership, a diverse group of activities is also beneficial. Certainly, playing soccer is great. However, adding theater and/or the computer science club is even better. Participating in a handful of clubs affords you the opportunity to be well-rounded. And it helps you hone those precious time management skills!

Conversely, if you realize there’s a lack of extracurriculars in your schedule, don’t panic! It’s never too late to join. And if you’re unsure of where to begin, think about what you might want to study in college. Are there any clubs related to that discipline? If so, consider checking them out. It will show schools that you’re serious about the subject and might even give you a leg up in your studies. If you’re hoping to do something outside of academics, think about your interests. Are you really into film? See if there’s a corresponding club. If you’ve always been curious about journalism, now’s the time to explore. Attend the next newspaper meeting and see if they could use another writer.

Finally, when choosing extracurriculars, it’s important to remember that one club isn’t necessarily better than another. There’s really no “right” or “wrong” activity. Indeed, joining the juggling club can hold as much weight as student government. After all, colleges don’t want a student body full of class presidents or football players or even jugglers (though that might be fun!). Your unique interest and pursuits are what will add color to your future campus. Truly, the only incorrect choice is doing nothing at all!

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=25150The Balancing Act: 6 Time Management Tips for Teenshttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=2484
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2484#commentsFri, 25 Oct 2013 18:42:31 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2484Ah, time management! That surprisingly elusive talent/asset that frequently feels integral to success. It’s a critical skill to have and one that you should certainly try and cultivate. After all, the further you get into high school, the more important it becomes. Indeed, you’ll most likely be juggling schoolwork, extracurricular activities, a college search and [...]

]]>Ah, time management! That surprisingly elusive talent/asset that frequently feels integral to success. It’s a critical skill to have and one that you should certainly try and cultivate. After all, the further you get into high school, the more important it becomes. Indeed, you’ll most likely be juggling schoolwork, extracurricular activities, a college search and SAT/ACT prep all while you attempt to maintain a healthy social life. We realize that’s a tall order. So, how do you best manage your time?

Push yourself to make a to-do list. To-do lists are a fabulous way to help you stay organized. They’ll force you to take a mental count of everything that’s going on and offer a physical reminder of what needs to get tackled. You can craft the list so that the most crucial and/or immediate tasks appear first. And you can even decide to sprinkle a few fun activities throughout to keep yourself motivated. Plus, you’ll get the satisfaction of crossing off completed jobs and hold tangible evidence of your accomplishments.

Think about when you’re most productive. We all operate differently. Some of us are morning people who feel like crawling into bed before the sun even sets. Others are night owls who don’t feel fully conscious until at least 3:00 in the afternoon. Certainly, there’s no right or wrong answer (though hopefully your optimal time is not 4:00 am). Regardless of when it is, think about tackling your work then. You are likely to be more focused and efficient and retain more information that way.

Make sure you maximize your time. Whether it’s a long bus ride home, waiting at the doctor’s office or having a half hour to kill between school and soccer practice, you frequently have moments of down time. You should use those instances to your advantage, conquering a few Algebra problems or reading the next assigned chapter in The Great Gatsby. You’ll have less to worry about when you get home and it might even allow you to get ahead (or, at the very least, net more evening relaxation time).

Keep a calendar. It doesn't matter if you use your Gmail account, iPhone or a good ol’ fashioned desk calendar. You can keep track of class schedules and assignments, daily/weekly chores, upcoming tests, social events, big sports matches, etc. By (regularly) maintaining said calendar, you’ll know what to expect for each upcoming day. And you’ll easily be able to prepare for what’s coming down the proverbial pike.

Figure out how to properly budget your time. Take a moment to think about how long certain assignments and activities typically take. If physics homework usually requires a full hour and jazz band is always two hours, you’ll know that you have to allow for that in your daily schedule. Once you solidify/clarify all of your commitments, you’ll be able to figure out a weekly agenda. And, importantly, you’ll clearly see where you can pencil in some time to kick back and relax.

Realize that it’s okay to say no. Unfortunately, there are only a finite number of hours in the day. And sometimes you simply can’t accept every invitation that’s extended. If you are already attending baseball practice and a study group, you probably shouldn’t also agree to go to the movies. You need to recognize your commitments and priorities. A trip to the local cinema can always be rescheduled.

Time management is an essential skill. Certainly, it helps to alleviate stress and anxiety. Perhaps more importantly, it helps to ensure that we’re performing to the best of our capabilities. And while some of us might be more naturally inclined to organization than others, it’s an attribute we can all develop with guidance and practice.

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=24842Get Involved!http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2449
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2449#respondFri, 30 Aug 2013 19:51:52 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2449It often feels like there’s a big jump from middle school to high school. You have to contend with new teachers, new responsibilities and unfamiliar seniors barreling down the hallway. Indeed, the adjustment period can take longer than you anticipate. One of the best ways you can assimilate is by getting involved in activities and [...]

]]>It often feels like there’s a big jump from middle school to high school. You have to contend with new teachers, new responsibilities and unfamiliar seniors barreling down the hallway. Indeed, the adjustment period can take longer than you anticipate. One of the best ways you can assimilate is by getting involved in activities and events. After all, clubs and after school groups provide a great opportunity to meet like-minded individuals. They’ll also round out your high school experience and make you a more attractive applicant to colleges.

Of course, we realize it can be a tad intimidating when you first set out to join a new group. Therefore, we cobbled together some points to ponder as you begin your journey to becoming an extracurricular superstar:

Consider your interests/passions. Sure, we say this a lot. But that’s only because a little self-reflection is the best way to begin most endeavors. If you’re overwhelmed by the number of extracurricular options, simply think about what you love doing or what you've always been curious about. Do you believe yourself to be a budding social justice crusader? Then Amnesty International might be a great group for you. Are you destined to be a star of the stage? Well, march directly to the drama club (once classes are over of course).

Challenge yourself to attend a variety of club meetings. At the start of the school year, make a pledge that you’ll drop in on a few clubs each week (at least for the first month or so). This is a great way to meet new people and explore new hobbies. Additionally, it’s important to recognize that you might not enjoy or feel comfortable at the first meeting you attend. However, you shouldn't let that discourage you. Don’t stop until you find a few that strike your fancy!

Draft a buddy. If you’re too nervous to show up solo, ask some friends if they’d be interested in attending with you. It’s always easier to enter a room full of strangers if you have one or two familiar faces for support. And, as an added bonus, it will give your little circle an excuse to hang out!

Remember, you’re not restricted to only one activity. Yes, that’s right. You can participate in more than one club (we know – your mind is probably blown). Indeed, there’s no need to force yourself to choose between writing for the newspaper and playing soccer. In fact, it’s good to cultivate multiple interests. Just be mindful that you don’t want to spread yourself too thin and over-commit.

Make regular appearances. You can’t refer to yourself as an active member of a club or team if you only attend the first meeting or show up periodically. Extracurricular activities require a modicum of time and dedication. You won’t get anything out of the experience if you barely participate. And you likely won’t feel as though you fully belong. The more active you are, the more you‘ll enjoy yourself!

Don’t be fearful of failing! Instead, push yourself to try-out for the football team or audition for the jazz band. Often times, you’ll be able to find a place on the field or the stage (even if you’re not immediately first string material). Remember - you can always work your way up to varsity and/or first chair!

Start your own club. Sure, it sounds like a bold move! And we know you’re likely still getting your bearings. However, if you don’t find something that interests you or there’s an activity/subject you really want to explore, show a little initiative (an attribute that colleges love!) and create a new group. You can get started by asking a teacher or school administrator about the proper protocol. Chances are, they’ll be happy to help you pursue a passion. And your peers will be grateful that you’re filling an extracurricular gap!

Extracurricular activities are a fantastic way to enrich your high school experience. They provide a myriad of opportunities to make new friends and cement existing relationships. Moreover, they’ll allow you to develop new passions and hone your skills. What are you waiting for? Join today!

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=24490Getting a Jumpstart on Senior Yearhttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=2444
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2444#commentsTue, 30 Jul 2013 19:19:53 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2444Well here you are, about to embark on your biggest academic year to date. We realize you’re likely experiencing a myriad of emotions – stress, delight, tension. And, perhaps more than anything, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed at all the work that lies ahead. It’s true that twelfth grade will likely be busy [...]

]]>Well here you are, about to embark on your biggest academic year to date. We realize you’re likely experiencing a myriad of emotions – stress, delight, tension. And, perhaps more than anything, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed at all the work that lies ahead. It’s true that twelfth grade will likely be busy from the get-go. Fortunately, you can gain an edge if you start preparing now.

Here’s a top 10 list (in no particular order) of tasks you can begin tackling before the school year actually begins:

Senior year is certainly an exciting (though anxiety-ridden) time. There’s a lot to anticipate and a lot of work to undertake. By staying organized, you’ll be able to approach your tasks with confidence and a clear mind. And since, ostensibly, you will be more relaxed, you’ll also be able to fully savor the fun experiences that senior year has to offer!

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=24442Back in the Groove: Preparing for the New School Yearhttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=2435
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2435#respondMon, 29 Jul 2013 19:22:48 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2435Sadly summer, like all good things, must come to an end. Though you should still suck all the marrow out of these sweet, sun-filled days, it’s probably best to acknowledge that a new school year is quickly approaching. Instead of lamenting the impending loss of freedom, we suggest preparing to meet your academic future heartily [...]

]]>Sadly summer, like all good things, must come to an end. Though you should still suck all the marrow out of these sweet, sun-filled days, it’s probably best to acknowledge that a new school year is quickly approaching. Instead of lamenting the impending loss of freedom, we suggest preparing to meet your academic future heartily and head-on.

Here are a few tips to help you ease into the school year and hopefully make your first week less painful/jarring:

Start setting an alarm clock. We know – waking up early is probably one of the most dreaded aspects of starting the school year. It can be a pretty rough adjustment, esp. if you’ve spent the majority of the summer sleeping in to your heart’s content. Therefore, we recommend that you begin setting an alarm a week or two before the year starts in earnest. Don’t worry; we’re not necessarily advocating an abrupt switch. You don’t need to start waking up at 6:30am tomorrow. However, if you set an alarm a little earlier each day (and perhaps go to bed a little earlier each night), you’re likely to find yourself jumping out of bed when the first day of school rolls around. Or, at the very least, it won’t be a massive struggle to drag yourself out from under the covers.

Read! Read! Read! (We can’t say it enough.) Reading is a great way to prep for the upcoming school year. Regardless of whether you curl up with a book, magazine or newspaper, reading allows you to exercise and activate your brain. Without likely even being conscious of it, you’ll hone your critical thinking, storytelling, grammar and vocabulary skills. And the more you read in these final weeks of summer, the easier it will be to engage with those first few classroom assignments.

Talk about goals and expectations for the year. We recommend setting aside some time to reflect on your aspirations for the upcoming year. Will you finally go out for the volleyball team? Will you (attempt to) achieve straight As in Spanish class? Is this the year you make the honor roll? Whether they are grand or modest, it’s important to have goals. You want something to strive for and to work towards. Be sure to discuss your thoughts with family and friends. After all, they can offer support and guidance as you set out to conquer accomplishment after accomplishment!

Review your schedule. You should receive a copy of your schedule before the year begins. Don’t just toss it aside and assume everything is in order. You want to make sure that you are registered for the correct classes. And it’s probably a smart idea to check the order in which you’ll be attending them too.

Make a quick visit to the school. If you’ll be new to the school (we’re looking at you freshmen and transfer students), do yourself a favor and swing by your new academic home. Conduct a little tour to familiarize yourself with the layout. We guarantee that you’ll feel (vastly) more comfortable walking through those doors if you have a sense of where you’re going.

We know it can be difficult when it comes time to face a new school year. However, if you take steps to prepare yourself for the upcoming year, the first week of school shouldn't be too upsetting. Heck – you might even discover you enjoy yourself!